The origin of the “free” in
“Freemasonry” is now unknown. It suggests, however, that Freemasons are not
bound to any particular set of beliefs or to any narrow way of life, but are open to
learning and growing, and that they respect the natural right of others to be so also. The
“masonry” in the name reflects the fact that modern Freemasonry developed among
groups of persons who either practiced the craft of stonemasonry or were interested in the
theory and symbolism of the building trades. The central symbol of Freemasonry is the
building of King Solomon's Temple, and various tools and activities of stonemasonry are
given symbolic meanings in Freemasonic use.